Feature Writers

Oilers News

BLOG: Oilers continue to work on face-offs

by
Marc Ciampa
/ Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers were slightly below the 50% line on Tuesday when it came to face-offs but coach Eakins felt that the team won the key draws and clearly that was enough to come away with two points on the night.

“You want to talk about face-offs, Arcobello ended up icing the puck and we had a real important draw with guys that were tired and Nuge really beared down on the draw so that’s another step in the right direction for him because he had struggled early and that was encouraging for me to see.”

Boyd Gordon was once again over 60% in the dot and won a key draw in the extra frame which ultimately led to the overtime winner.

“Those face-offs are extremely important. Our guys continue to work on their draws. Obviously, Boyd Gordon is the best on our team. It’s one of these things with our other centremen, you’ve got to let them go in and take draws. I could have Boyd Gordon take every draw but we’ve got to rely on these other guys and it’s something that they’re trying to improve on.

“It’s another 15 seconds before you can get into the zone and that’s if you can get in there cleanly with no pressure so (face-offs are) important.”